Letters - January 19, 2015

They started it Gazette readers have written in pointing out that, although NHS privatisation is associated with the Coalition, private sector involvement in the health service was encouraged under Labour

Hospitals

It was interesting to read Jack Croysdill’s comments criticising MP Paul Maynard’s support for NHS privatisation (Your Say, January 12).

What Mr Croysdill fails to mention is the Labour party’s involvement in NHS privatisation.

Was it not the Labour party which promoted PFI contracts in the NHS, contracts which have, to date, left the taxpayer with a bill in the order of £60bn?

Also consider the Circle Contract to run the Hinchingbrooke NHS Hospital in Cambridgeshire, which recently failed.

Although signed off by the coalition, this private sector contract was set in train by Labour and pushed forward by Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary.

Considering further the effects of Labour party policy on the NHS, a major factor in the failure of the Circle contract at Hinchingbrooke was the increasing number of patients arriving at A&E.

This increase has in no small part been affected by the Labour party negotiating GP contracts that significantly reduced out of hours services.

Whilethe perception is that NHS privatisation is associated with the Tories, it was pioneered by Labour.